The European Pillar of Social Rights consists of 20 principles that pave the way for a strong and fair Europe. Regional and local authorities play an important role in the practical implementation of the principles. The AFLRA therefore pays special attention to the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan as part of its lobbying of the EU.
We want to work together with the Finnish cities and municipalities in supporting the well-being of all municipal residents. In our view, local authorities play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between the three dimensions of sustainable development — the social, economic and environmental dimensions. Local authorities have a pivotal role in reducing health and well-being inequalities between population groups and in preventing social exclusion. The well-being of citizens is key to stability.
The AFLRA stresses that the European Pillar of Social Rights enables dissemination of information and best practices between regional and local governments on the one hand and between the Member States on the other. The aim of many of the objectives is to promote the European way of life, and we welcome the Commission's proposal to make 2022 the European Year of Youth.
Our key objectives
- Concerning climate action, the EU is making decisions on the extension of emissions trading. We are cautiously open to this in principle; however, the AFLRA is very critical of the proposal for a Social Climate Fund. The AFLRA proposes that part of the revenue from auctioning emissions allowances be directed to the funding of municipal climate work in the aforementioned themes. The Member States should be allowed to fully plan and provide compensation for various national and local impacts in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity.
- As regards to the economy and employment, the Commission proposes several measures seemingly on the grounds of the pandemic. One of them is the recommendation on minimum income. Any matters related to social assistance or other social security are governed by national legislation.
- In our view, the formulation of EU guidelines and recommendations should ensure that national governments — and in the case of Finland, local authorities — retain their decision-making powers relating to educational, cultural, sports and youth services. Local authorities play a key role in the organisation of education, in transitions into education and work for young people, and in the promotion of employment and strengthening well-being and inclusion. Increasingly active participation in the EU youth programmes is in the interests of Finnish young people, youth workers and cities and municipalities alike.
- The AFLRA emphasises that the EU and Finland should provide high-quality international protection for those who need it. Local authorities’ efforts to integrate migrants is an essential component of a successful immigration policy. Any kind of inclusion of immigrants in society contributes to social sustainability.
- As regards to work-related immigration, the AFLRA states that attracting skilled and talented workforce to our country promotes vitality, prevents brain drain and helps to bridge the skills gap. Public sector needs should be considered in labour recruitment from third countries by developing effective practices for the recruitment of healthcare and social welfare professionals.
The European Union is founded on shared values but in recent years its unity has been tested in many ways. Amidst many crises, we must work towards the unity of the EU to strengthen its future role both within and outside Europe. The results of the Conference on the Future of Europe are expected in spring 2022.